WHAT JUST HAPPENED? The TCS London Marathon 2026 witnessed history being made as Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe became the first man to officially break two hours for the distance, winning the World Athletics Platinum Label road race in a mind-boggling world record 1:59:30.
In a truly landmark day for marathon running, Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41 – the second-fastest time in history and the fastest marathon debut ever.
For some context as to just how incredible Sunday’s race was, before the 2026 London Marathon, the official men’s marathon world record was 2:00:35, set by the late Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023.
It was a day for records on the women’s side as well, with Tigst Assefa successfully defending her title with an improvement on her own women-only world record of 2:15:41. It bears noting, however, that the official women’s marathon world record (mixed race) stands at 2:09:56, set by Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich in Chicago in October 2024.
Coming back to Sawe, the defending champion crossed the line in 1:59:30, taking 65 seconds off the previous world record set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago in 2023 and becoming the first athlete to run a legal sub-two-hour marathon, surpassing the legendary Eliud Kipchoge’s 1:59:41 exhibition performance from 2019.
“I feel good, I’m so happy. It is a day to remember for me (and for the running world at large),” said Sawe, who won last year in 2:02:27.
“We started the race well, and I felt strong we approached finishing the end. When I got to the finish line, I saw the time and I was so excited,” added Sawe, who covered the second half of the race in an incredible 59:01. “Coming to London for the second time was so important to me and that’s why I prepared well for it. What I had done for four months, it has come today to be a good result.”
Kejelcha followed in an Ethiopian record of 1:59:41, the second-fastest performance in history and the quickest ever marathon debut, while Jacob Kiplimo secured third place in a Ugandan record of 2:00:28, also inside the previous world record.
Amos Kipruto (Kenya) finished fourth in a PB of 2:01:39, with Ethiopians Tamirat Tola (2:02:59, PB) and Deresa Geleta (2:03:23) completing a remarkable top six. Best marks-for-place were set for the first six positions.
The women’s race also delivered a performance of historic significance, led by defending champion Assefa. Behind her, two-time Boston and New York champion Hellen Obiri (Kenya) – making her London debut – finished second in a PB of 2:15:53, with 2021 London Marathon winner Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya) close behind in 2:15:55, marking the first time three women have finished inside 2:16 in the same race.
‘We’ve witnessed something incredible’: Mo Farah
Kitted out in sponsor adidas’ latest supershoes, Sawe, who has won all four marathons he has contested, managed to take two minutes and 35 seconds off his marathon personal best.
He has sought to ensure confidence in his performances by undergoing frequent drug tests and was tested 25 times before competing in Berlin, where he finished in 2:02:16.
Reacting to Sawe’s record, Britain’s four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah said: “We’ve waited long enough to see a human go sub-two.
“That’s always been the question that we’ve asked. We’ve just witnessed something incredible.”
Leading results
Men
1 Sabastian Sawe (KEN) 1:59:30
2 Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) 1:59:41
3 Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) 2:00:28
4 Amos Kipruto (KEN) 2:01:39
5 Tamirat Tola (ETH) 2:02:59
6 Deresa Geleta (ETH) 2:03:23
7 Addisu Gobena (ETH) 2:05:23
8 Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) 2:05:38
9 Peter Lynch (IRL) 2:06:08
10 Mahamed Mahamed (GBR) 2:06:14
Women
1 Tigst Assefa (ETH) 2:15:41
2 Hellen Obiri (KEN) 2:15:53
3 Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) 2:15:55
4 Degitu Azimeraw (ETH) 2:19:13
5 Catherine Reline Amanang’ole (KEN) 2:21:20
6 Eunice Chumba (BRN) 2:23:44
7 Eilish McColgan (GBR) 2:24:51
8 Julia Paternain (URU) 2:25:47
9 Rose Harvey (GBR) 2:26:14
10 Marta Galimany (ESP) 2:27:38
London Marathon prize money:
Winner: $55,000
Runner-up: $30,000
Third place: $22,500
Fourth place: $15,000
Fifth place: $10,000
Sixth place: $7,500
Additional Bonuses:
World Record: $125,000
Course Record: $25,000
Sub-2:02 (Men) / Sub-2:15 (Women): $150,000
Sawe’s total winnings from the London Marathon therefore, stand at a total of $355,000 (₹3.34 crore).
